The dangers and difficulties of BP should not be underestimated, however, BP or G-II are both good options for a first 8000er, and a lot cheaper than Nepal or Tibet. And a far better mountaineering experience all round.

In reply to Superchop75:i'm proberly biased towards Pakistan being the only 'Greater range' i've made it to but from what an experienced guide told me a few years ago and from what i've looked at since if i was going for one i'd go for G2. BP is supposed to be very condition dependant.

> (In reply to Superchop75)i'm proberly biased towards Pakistan being the only 'Greater range' i've made it to but from what an experienced guide told me a few years ago and from what i've looked at since if i was going for one i'd go for G2. BP is supposed to be very condition dependant.

Both are condition dependant, especially from BC to camp 1. On BP the danger is largely rock fall and to a certain extent avalanche on the lower slopes. But at least you are 'climbing' straight from the glacier. On G-II you have a long and tiring slog through the icefall, avoiding the crevasses. The climbing doesn't really begin until above C1. I prefer BP to G-II, but after the sun turns the snow to porridge they are both b****ds!

I wouldn't say Broad Peak was a great first choice if you wanted to maximise your chances of summiting (I went there as my 1st). The summit day is a very big day and contains the most technical climbing on the mountain. Don't expect fixed ropes much above camp 2 (6500m ish) - not that you really need them if you're competent and conditions are hugely variable, getting down from camp 1 was probably the most dangerous section. Having said that if you're keen for the challenge then go for it.

You won't be alone on either Broad Peak or G2. There'll be around 50 - 75 people in BC for each mountain, if not more for G2.

Why unsure of Cho Oyu? If you want to go high only you know how technically apt and experienced you are. You could go up Everest on a guided tour and need little tech experience but the cost is mega(south side).

Why not go to lower mountains 6500-7500 where you could be the only person on the mountain, cost less and experience the mountains as they should be. The main high peaks are littered with people and their litter. There are so many choices if you do a bit of research. OR alternatively go to the Andes and the lesser known 6500-6900 dirt cheap and lovely. Not including Aconcagua of course.

it all depends what youre in this for. if its to tick an 8000m peak, then go 'easy' on G2, BP, whatever. if its to build up to some particular project then the 7000m idea is great as it will allow for more technical climbing in a less diluted environment with potentially more focus on the logistics. if its the start of an attempt for all 14 then again the easy option, but maybe something in nepal where you can throw down a 6000m acclimatizing peak before hand.
if its about everest then think about the company you might use for that as building a relationship with could work for the greater process.

much depends too on how into all this you want to get. how willing are you to accept NOT summiting? how into BC life are you?
the differences between nepal and pakistan are significant and worth taking into account.